Straz bomb scare caused by crafts supplies suitcase

Local first responders evacuated the Straz Center in downtown Tampa Sunday night after a small, unattended suitcase was found in a back parking lot.

A bomb squad robot opened the suitcase, which revealed craft items, according to the Tampa Police Department.

At 6:30 p.m., the Tampa Police Department responded to the performing arts center in downtown Tampa after the small, wheeled suitcase was found. The item was inspected by a bomb squad technician in full gear and later opened by the small robot.

“We opened the bag up and there was just stuff containing crafts ... ribbons and lighting,” Lt. Barry Moskowitz of the Tampa Police Department said. “It’s as if somebody had just, I guess, forgotten to put it in the trunk of their car and just drove off.

“They’ll figure it out soon enough and call us.”

The center held two events on Sunday - the Florida Signature Bridal Affair, from noon to 4 p.m., according to the center’s web site, and the conclusion of the Hedwig and the Angry Inch show at 4 p.m.